Tonsilitis on Pink Street

Well the second night of a show rarely goes well and for me it was never going to..

I got the flu Tuesday last week, then by Friday I had definately moved on to tonsilitis. With a new singing show to break in, I was well and truely behind the eight ball.

Thankfully, after much medication (cold and flu/penicillin/difflam), I managed to squawk out something that sounded like the opening song.. From then on I was pretty much in the clear, as apart from backup vocals, I just had to act out some script.

We also had one DIVA judge in last night. I invited him back in the near future to see the show when I had recovered from my bout of tonsilitis and when we had settled the show in. He said he was happy to come back. Hooray!

It has been wonderful the support we have been receiving from the audience and our friends. We even have some of the cast from Priscilla popping in after their long day working to watch us! You would think they would be over drag queens singing on stage! (Thanks again for coming in guys..)

Anyways, I'm gonna hop back into bed and hide under the doona now I think.. I hope to see you out at my shows next week. Come up and say "Hi" if you do..

Cya Sweets..
xx

Pink Street: Live & Gay (Opening Night)

Well it was an eventful night for me last night, as I opened my new SINGING and dancing drag show - Pink Street: Live & Gay, at the Stonewall Hotel.

Yes that's right, I sang - and not too badly if I say so myself! Phew! I was very nervous though, so there were a few wrong notes, but I think I was, at very least, decent as a singing drag queen!

Adding the live singing element really made a difference to what the punters expect from a drag show. With a few of my shows now I have slowly added live elements, or pre-recorded vocals, sometimes with alternate lyrics (ie A Dummer Shade of Blonde & Murder She Mimed - The Musical) into the traditional mimed drag show format. For years now I have wanted to do a live show, but previously I have always chickened out of it... I'm very glad I stuck it out this time!

Even though we did do a tech. run earlier in the week, we started off with some technical difficulties - that being major feedback from the microphones, but we persisted through and the gremlins buggered off.

For the show, we have rewritten some of the lyrics to the songs "Keep It Gay" (The Producers - Musical), "I'm Super!" (South Park - Movie) and mixed together the songs "We Are Family" with "Express Yourself".

But even though it's obviously a VERY GAY show, with sets of completely pink costumes and a gay soundtrack, there is also a serious message behind it...

Oxford Street has, as we all know, been a vital part of our community. Lately there has been violence/abuse escalating from the mainly, drunk straight male crowds. This show has been my response to it.

As you can appreciate, it's a hard issue to tackle on the stage, let alone in a drag show, but judging from the feedback we have already received from last night, we managed to create a show that provokes some thought and was more than just a compilation of songs with some fab cossies. We have all created "compilation" shows before, but I like to have a storyline or some linear path to my shows - I think it's more satisfying for me and the people watching.

In any case, I like to challenge myself when creating and performing shows, and I'm lucky enough to be able to be the boss of all of the shows I perform in currently. It means I can create a team of performers, tailored to the show and the venue, plus surround myself with talented entertainers who I know like to extend themselves to do the best show possible.

I like to create a show that keeps the audience and the performers interested and I believe this show does just that!

I hope you get the chance to come along to Stonewall Hotel to watch our show. Shows are at 11pm and 12am, with Pink Street: Live and Gay at 1am. You can also click here for more details on any of my shows!

Now as always, there are people who helped me to make this show possible.. My thanks go out to...

Kirsten Damned - Your fabulous costumes really made an impact! You are incredible. Thank You! We look forward to our Xmas show cossies too!
Cleo Coupe - Your help creating the soundtrack has been absolutely invaluable. It was great to be able to work with you again. I love you heaps babe!
Vida Las Vegas - Even on the other side of the world, you still managed to be able to help me! Thank you again for sending me the "Keep It Gay" backing track all the way from jolly-old London! Mwah!
Mark - Thank you for helping with the script for the show. Your help was a God-send, as I don't see myself as a writer at all! Mwah!
Stonewall - All of the staff - especially Glen, Penny & Ken for their help and advice.
AVP/ACON - For your advice and support.
My partner - For your love and support. For what has been a long-time dream of mine, you have encouraged me all along the way... I love you deeply!!
Ru Bella & Morgan - Thank you for being the fabulous performers that you both are and for trusting me on creating a show from such a difficult concept. This show means so much to me and I thank you for helping to realize my dream.

My Brothers Wedding

Matthew and Jessie

My brother was wed to his high school sweetheart, Jessie, on Rememberance Day (11/11/06) this year.

My partner and pet dog (Icypole), made the trip to Perth, Western Australia for the ceremony in a beautiful Catholic church.


Of course I cried during the ceremony, seeing these two people that I have been together almost 10 years, finally getting married. Jessie has long been considered part of our family, and I guess the wedding is the offical welcome to our family. It was very special to see them both so happy..

I was asked to read the "Prayer of the Faithful", which I did with only one stumble. It was a wonderful honour to be asked to do so.

However, I am a little annoyed with myself.. A cuff-link was accidentally dropped on the floor just before "the kiss" and I leant over to tell my newphew to keep an eye on it... My bloody watch-out-for-the-earring-on-the-floor show instict kicked in and then I realised a moment later that I had missed "the kiss"! Damn it! I'll have to wait for the Wedding Video I guess..

Then it was off to the 3-4 hours of wedding photos planned.. It was a great day for a photo shoot outdoors.

In a white limo, we moved from from the church to the Supreme Court Gardens, then to a small Japanese park near Burswood (below) and another park in Guildford, before heading out to the Swan Valley wine region for the reception.


The brides and her maids were beautiful. Of course my neice, Paige (in pink) as the flower girl, was gorgeous! (Doesn't Jennifer (the blonde) look so much like Jennifer Hawkins???)

The reception on the whole was drama-free. As you can imagine, it's hard when you have family together, and drinking lots! I worked hard at trying to shield my brother Matt, and my now sister-in-law, Jessie, from any dramas - as of course the day was all about them and I wanted them to be as care-free and happy as possible!

It was a wonderful day and an amazing experience to be part of the official wedding party.

Doesn't my little dog Icypole look so adorable as part of the wedding party photo shoot!

It would be nice to see the day where gay people can also celebrate their relationships in a similar way.. I wait with anticipation..

Congratulations again to my brother and his bride. May you spend your lives in happiness together. After so many years going strong, I look forward to spending some of those important wedding anniversaries with you both!

Two films you should see...

I haven't talked about the enviroment for a while now, but considering all the discussions about climate change, water crisis' and droughts recently, it seems quite opportune to speak about it again now.

It has also been timely the release of two documentries, "The Inconvienient Truth" and "Who Killed The Electric Car?", and I've been to see them both.

As my partner says, these films would mainly be "preaching to the converted". Nonetheless, I think it is at least a reminder to we "converted" on how we should maintain a more enviromentally friendly lifestyle, and encourage others to do so too.

If you get some free time to watch a movie, why not go to the cinemas and watch these two films.

They will turn you green!

COMING SOON - New Stonewall Show..

It's been a long time coming (for me at least - 3 months off is too long!).. The return to Stonewall Hotel on Saturday nights!

We open a new show on Saturday 18th November, and there are going to be some big surprises - to say the very least!

The show is based on the current issues of anti-gay violence on Oxford St, and rather than concentrating on the negative part of this problem, we look at it from another angle, encouraging each other to watch out for one another, and to feel free to express ourselves how we like on our strip.

And express ourselves we certainly do! Come and see our celebration of gay-ness, in the publicly voted "Most Popular Venue" of 2006 (DIVA), the Stonewall Hotel.

I'm proud to introduce our new cast member, Morgan-David, as part of my group "The Bomshelles". With Morgan's background in Musical Theatre, he is a very talented male performer and will be bringing a touch of masculinity to our show - although some might say that Ru Bella or myself would be the most masculine!

Come along from the 18th November and decide for yourself!

Bust Op

Over the weekend the Sydney showgirl community lost one of our own..

I'm sure many you remember a fantastic performer, Bust Op. Even though I was not a close friend, it is of course sad to hear that such a unique and talented person left us so early in life.

He passed away on Friday evening at St Vincents Hospital after a long battle with cancer.

My thoughts are with his friends and family who are deeply grieving at this time.

Rest In Peace sweetheart..

My Humble Thanks...

26/10/2006 Sydney Star Observer


POCKET ROCKET

When Mr Mary's in Redfern opened a few months ago, the stage area seemed large and difficult to fill for the three performers I saw there.

Shelley Legs Diamond and her troupe have changed that. I saw their show last Saturday and have to commend them on their excellent choreography and precision performance.

They utilised all the space available and showed there's a huge difference between lip-synching to a show tune in a confined space and putting your years of dance training and practice through its paces.

Congratulations to Mr Mary's for providing a larger space for our drag stars to strut their stuff, and to Shelley Legs Diamond, the pocket rocket, for raising the bar in drag entertainment standards.

Nicholas C from Sydney

My thanks to Nicholas C for his humbling comments in this weeks Sydney Star Observer. You're such a sweetie!

I have received much positive feedback regarding my new production show "Masquerade: A Dirty Masked Affair", and appreciate Nicholas' time he took to publicly praise our efforts.

My thanks to you again Nicholas! Come in and say "Hi" and I'll shout you a drink or two at the bar..

Now, speaking of the Mr Mary shows on Saturday nights, the show times have been altered slightly to now be 10:30pm, 11:30pm and 12:30am.

This means people have more time for those yummy meals before the show in the bistro, and then to dance the night away to one of my favourite DJs ever, Justin Scott.

I hope to see you at Mr Mary's soon!

Pussy Problems

One of the two cats that my partner has, Scooter, was quite sick on the weekend. Waking up to loud howling, to our horror we found a cat laying on the floor, clutching to the carpet for his dear life, and not seeming to respond to anything visually.

We soon discovered be had gone suddenly blind - his pupils were completely dilated and he could not even see anything in front of his face. He had even been so distressed he had even wet himself.

It scared the hell out of me to see him in such a state, and of course we made an urgent dash to the Vet in the middle of the night.

On our way there, he started to calm down as I patted and talked to him in his travel case. He even got some of his vision back.. Thank Goodness! It seems like his body must have shut down while it was going through some sort of fit.. We hoped the Vet could find out more..

While at the Vet, his condition started to improve, but after describing his symptoms (and with some prods and pokes - like a thermometer up the bum!), we were told that we could be looking at a cat with severe diabetes and kidney problems.

We had to leave our poor little boy at the Vets, pending some blood tests.

Come Monday, we had confirmation that he in fact did have diabetes and would need to have 2 injections of Insulin a day for the rest of his life.

He was transferred to the Paddington Cat Hospital during Monday for further tests and the commencement of his treatment.

He stayed overnight, and come Tuesday afternoon I was in tears at work thinking he might be on his last legs. Finally my partner sent me an SMS saying that Scooter was allowed to come home.. My heart was relieved, to say the very least!

We went to pick him up at the hospital and were taught how to inject his Insulin, and on what his new diet will consist of.

Soon I was very happy to have him lazing about the house again.

His grumpy meows were sorely missed - the apartment was so quiet with him gone.

Scooter will be back at the Cat Hospital on Friday for more tests and to find out what is happening with his kidneys. Until then, I hope that everything is going to improve, as he has become one of my little boys that I adopted from my "marriage" and I love him so much..

Opening Night: MASQUERADE - A Dirty Masked Affair

It's the season for Opening Nights it seems..

Last Saturday I opened my new show, "MASQUERADE: A Dirty Masked Affair" at Mr Mary's in Redfern.

It was a relief, to say the least, that it went down very well with the audience. My thanks to all those people who have sent emails/sms's/called me to congratulate the cast on a job well done.

With our two new performers, male dancers Daniel and Davide, we take a journey from a Masquerade Ball to the Bedroom, in a high energy and sexy show.

My thanks to Kirsten Damned for making our costumes, Cleo Coupe for editing the soundtrack, Daniel for his finale choreography and Charisma for hers. A special thanks to my partner for helping with the dramas of putting up the chandeliers and being my personal taxi!

I'm still taking some time to breathe now, before heading back into producing another show for Mr Mary's, this time with Charisma Belle and the two boy dancers. Then after that it's right into my new Stonewall shows! So I'm a busy girl atm..

Click HERE to see info on the shows I'm putting on.. Otherwise, you are certainly invited to come along to watch our extravaganza - shows/entry is free, all you need do is buy a drink or two!

Hope to see you out and about..

Luv Shelley
xxx

Opening Night: Priscilla

I was lucky enough to be invited as an official guest to the Opening Night of Priscilla.

Now apart from the show - which went PERFECTLY (5/5 Diamonds!), I will concentrate on the other events of the evening.. Namely the Red Carpet, and the After Party!

RED CARPET...

What a star-studded event! And as my fellow showgirl, Tora Hymen, would say, "It was the who's who, and the who's that, of the entertainment industry"!

Terrance Stamp, an original cast member of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert (Movie), a number of Home and Away stars, Jimmy Barnes, Barry Crocker, Maria Vanuti, and our very own superstar, Carlotta, was just a small selection of the many celebrities there to show their support for the fabulous new Aussie musical.

Fellow showgirls also attended, such as Mitzi Macintosh, Verushka Darling, Claire De Lune, Kitty Glitter, Portia Turbo, Courtney Act, Chelsea Bun and Amelia Airhead. We all had a ball posing for the photographers of the many major publications covering the event.

After some mingling (and poking out a few celebrity eyes with my DIVA Flower Dress!) we were ushered to our seats - right next to Mel and Kosh (Channel 7 Breaky Show). Now Mel was delightful, but as always I wanted to stick Kosh's head down a toilet until be stopped breathing!

With a performance about to start, the directors and producers made their way to their front row circle seats for the Opening Night extravaganza to commence. Excitement and nervousness, was thick in the air. The lights dimmed and the overture started to loud cheers from the audience.

As mentioned before, I will not talk about the show again, but I will say I was certainly very proud of my friend's performances, particularly Trevor Ashley (aka Cleopatra Coupe).

With new additions/changes to the show, and a seamless run, everyone enjoyed themselves immensely - performers and the audience.

The leads even took their individual bows! Hooray! (Read about my pet peeve HERE!)

After the show, it was then on to the After Party...

AFTER PARTY...

We were ushered along from the Lyric Theatre to the Showroom for a very glam after party. The entrance to the showroom was moved so that we were taken through a "Priscilla Gate". Then continuing around to the left, we took the spiral stairs up to the showroom foyer for entry to the main party room.

The room was impressive, decked out with possibly the biggest mirrorball in the world, smaller mirrorball clusters surrounding it, chandeliers made of feather boas, and a flashing dancefloor. (The dancefloor/stage I found out was a old set for a Ch7 game show - though I couldn't find out which one.. Koshy wouldn't tell me while I continued to threaten drowning him!)

The word around town was that Gloria Gaynor was performing at the party, and this was confirmed by my contacts in the know, however the goss is that she pulled out of the deal... Wonder why...??

The performer taking her place was Charlene.

She is obviously not the singer she once was, and had a very difficult time trying to get the crowd pumped, but managed to get the party-goers behind her when she sang her hit from Priscilla - "I've Never Been To Me"... not once, but twice! She sang the "original" version, then the "tweaked" version, as she put it (ie dance mix).

Of course all the celebs came along, if for nothing but the free piss-up! David Campbell, Bronwyn Bishop, Barry Humphries, Adrian Raschella - the list could go on... were all there, and I was lucky enough to draw their attention with my DIVA Flower Dress.

Unfortunately, I didn't take my camera along (can u believe I forgot!!!), but some of the celebs took pics themselves, so hopefully I'll get a copy sometime to put up on the site.

With all the mingling done, I slipped into something a little more comfortable for the remainder of the night and had a great time schmoozing with the crowd. I even caught up with an old dance lecturer of mine from WAAPA there - Claudia Alessi. (Hi babe!)

Soon it was about 2:00am and we made a move before it got too tragic!

It was an incredible night - as it was promised - and I will never forget it.

Thank you to the producers for inviting me along, and for putting my name in the Official Priscilla Program as an "influence" to their production! I have been very touched..

Make sure you do see Priscilla, it's a landmark moment in musical theatre in Australia, and of course, is again (in a different way) reaching out to mainstream Australia and helping with our community's visibility.

Priscilla: ACON Preview

**I know I'm slow on writing about the show, but I have honestly been working heaps on my new Mr Mary show, that I simply haven't had time.. Anyways, on with the blog...**

What a fabulous show Priscilla - The Musical is.. Just as it promised! What a great night..

We were first welcomed to the Lyric Theatre by my fellow showgirl, and ex-boss, Mitzi Macintosh. Mitzi talked about her involvement with the "Priscilla" legend, mentioning she had performed her version of the show more than 1000 times! (She actually mentioned the exact amount, which was amazing in itself!)

Next was a short speech from ACON, thanking the producers and audience for allowing the show to be a fundraiser for the organisation.

The director of the show, Simon Phillips then took to the stage. Firstly welcoming us to the show, he added that due to the complexity of the show, that the evenings performance would actually be the FIRST EVER run through of the show on stage! Wow!

We were advised, in a very fun and light-hearted way, to expect at least 2 major pauses in the show, as technical issues would be worked out. He even assured us he would even talk us through it!

Then it was on to the show..

Now I won't give away a lot of the surprises (of which I've previously been privy to from a number of sources - Cleo/Freeda/TM and the producers themselves).. So no worries for those reading on..

After the opening number, my good friend Cleo Coupe (aka Trevor Ashley), who plays "Miss Understood", takes to the stage for a solo. The audience loved her, and I was so proud I was crying - her outfit was fabulous, as you would expect from the Oscar winning designers, and this all set the tone for the spectacular to follow.

Of course the storyline is kept close to the movie, with some of the most memorable lines delivered throughout.

Tony Sheldon, who some people may remember I danced and choreographed for in DIVAs 2005, plays "Bernadette". He was brilliant and very believable in the role. Check out his first wig! It's absolute heaven! He was a joy to watch over the entire show. I can't speak highly enough of him..

Jeremy Stanford, in the role of "Mitzi", was on the other hand, a little flat. To be fair though, he did warm up as we got further into the show.

My friend, Daniel Scott - a local boy, played the role of "Felicia". He played it so well, and at times looked liked and "channeled" Guy Pearce! With such a gorgeous voice, he really added spice to the show - as only Felicia can!

We went through the show for 45 mins before the first show pause happened - in Broken Hill no less!. It was a fortunate place to stop, as we got to hear again Genevieve Lemon's rendition of "I love the Nightlife" - sooo very funny!

Soon enough, Michael Caton (from "The Castle") enters playing the role of "Bob". Bless him, he is no Bill Hunter, but he was still a lot of fun. (I wonder if Bill would have done the show..?) Michael even got a short solo to sing as well!

One of the other cast highlights was "Cynthia" (Lena Cruz), better known as the "Mail-order Bride". She bought the house down when she just walked onto stage - not even a word uttered! Finally, when the cheering died down, she said "Lemonade?". The crowd then erupted again for literally at least 2 minutes, stomping the ground, cheering and clapping! She was a cack! Her big number, which I'll keep quiet, was so funny that I was again in tears... Of laughter of course! Such a clever song choice..

Freeda Corsett (aka Damien Ross), who I have recently worked with in the show "Grease" at the Imperial Hotel, was awesome in a flashback scene. She play the "Young Bernadette" and in my opinion, really shows all the performers on stage how to walk, dance and act like a woman!

There were a few faces I recognised from my time at the WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in the show too, so I was always on the lookout for who was in what role.

Of course there were a number of stops in the show, and this gave the performers a chance to interact with the audience, which actually was really nice. We got to see a side of the performers most people don't see - their own personality.

There were only 2 spots which were disappointing for me..

Firstly, the scene where the queens meet the aboriginal tribe. For some reason, the dancers in the background are just dressed in black clothes (That look like strangely like tracksuits!). It's a very uninspiring set of costumes, for a scene which was one of the most memorable moments in the movie. Of course the bright "Gumby" costumes make an appearance, but surely something better could be done for the outback boys/girls.. Hell, I'd by them a set of real costumes if the Priscilla Producers would let me..

One of my pet peeves, with any show, is that the audience should be allowed to show their appreciation for the cast, individually, as well as an ensemble. Still, as of Tuesday night, the main cast is not taking their bows, rather the entire cast is lumped together for a group bow. One person has explained to me that they "have heard" this is because the Producers wanted the Bus to be the star.. I really don't think that is the case.. Anyway, I do hope they refine their bow sequence, as what they are currently doing is quite unconventional for a musical, and not particularly respectful to (especially) the 3 leads.

It was a long night (the show ended at midnight!) but we still moved off to the after party, held at the Showroom on the other side of Star City.

I got the chance to chat with some of the cast and crew, and it was a great to catch up with a few old friends.

After making our way to the Irish Pub near the Casino, we caught up a little more with our showgirls, Cleo and Freeda who gave us a insiders view on the show. There was so much to catch up on, but lack of sleep forced me home come 2:30am..

In the end, the show is FABULOUS! I was sad that I didn't make it into the show myself, as it would be a wonderful show to be a part of. I hope it stays in Sydney at least until Mardi Gras, if not longer, as it deserves strong support. But don't leave it long.. Go book it now at www.ticketmaster.com.au or on 136100.

Make sure you see this one.. It's a (now) legendary Aussie story, staged in such a fantastic way.. I'm sure this show will make it to New York and London in no time!

Shelley Show Index: 4.5 Diamonds out of 5!

"Take The Lead" @ Arq.. and a catch up..

Things have been so busy lately! (Which is great!)

As mentioned in my last entry, my girls Ru Bella, Charisma and I, are performing at Mr Mary's - now on a Saturday night. It's such a fun place to perform and such a great atmosphere..

We are currently doing the "A Dummer Shade of Blonde" and "Rough Trade Hers" shows there while the new shows are produced.

Our opening night will be Saturday 14th October. It will be big, glamorous and sexy - I promise you! I'm very much looking forward to producing my first regular 5 cast member drag show.. I'm very excited about it!!

My bad news has been that the "Grease" show finished up last week. It was a hoot performing with some amazingly talented people, and sad for those of us to be leaving Thursday nights at the Imperial.

Sandy Toggs has stayed on, assisting Penny Tration with "Musical Madness". I hope to get along to the night in the next few weeks to see how it's going. Will tell you all about it.

I didn't get to see the new night at the Imperial last night, as it was the Grand Final of "Take the Lead" at ARQ. Feminem, Beyonce G. Spot and Miss Tiffany battled it out for a spot in the regular production show on a Thursday night with the girls, Charisma, Vanity and Minnie.

The standard was very high and it was good to see such amazing talent coming up the ranks.

Beyonce performed "Frozen", Feminem a montage of "Bodyguard/Whitney" music and dialogue, while Miss Tiffany bought the roof down with her performance of "All That Jazz".

In the second act, the girls were able to use dancers, to show their dancing skills as well as how well they work in a group.

Feminem commenced with the best dancing and choreography of the night, performing to an original mix of anthems from pop divas such as Madonna and Deborah Cox. She had won the "Kraving An Idol" talent quest on the central coast when she started drag only 6 months ago, and she has improved INCREDIBLY since then! I was blown away - well done girl! (And that long blonde looks FAB on you!)

Next was Miss Tiffany with an amazing dramatic show. Pulled onto stage by two boy dancers, she struggles with them as the music builds. Then tied to the back wall, Miss Tiffany is "beaten" with soft fake poles. The boys disappear after a while and she captured everyone's attention with her intense and passionate performance of the song. (Sorry - I have never heard the song before, so can't tell you what it was!) She breaks free of the wall where the retraints hold her and thrashed the chains, still attached to her, on the stage. Finally she pulls the two boys back onto stage, and gets into a somewhat S&M/Bondage styled scene with them, giving back what she received at the start...

A hot, sexy and intense show - the audience loved it..

Well so you would think!

The "judges", seemed to think it was a show that stepped OVER the line of acceptable performance drag. Accusations that the performers did not respect the safety of themselves or the audience were dished out. Regardless of the cheers at the end, and the boos when they critised the show, some judges still told the audience how they felt. (One of my pet hates!) "The audience was terrified" was echoed a number of times.. I'm here to tell you, no one was terrified, and even though the show was not "typical bubble-gum drag", nearly everyone there enjoyed it.

Moving on from the controversy, Beyonce ended the night with a Dallas Della Force inspired show. With Dallas' now infamous DIVA outfit - or lack thereof, Beyonce performed "Crazy In Love" by her namesake. With boy dancers and drag backups, it was a fun show. Unfortunately her multimedia didn't work, but it by no means ruined the show. It was a fun production, and typically exciting, like the performer herself.

In the end, the crowd favourite - Miss Tiffany, won.

I'm very excited to see what she will come up with week after week at ARQ in the spot shows, let alone how she will fair with the experienced drag cast she will join in the main production.

Keep an eye out for those 3 girls though.. they are all HOT STUFF!

Off to see the FIRST EVER performance of "PRISCILLA" at a preview tonight.. will tell you about it tomorrow!

NEWSFLASH!!! Mr Marys - Tonight!

I'm excited to say that, Ru Bella, Charisma Belle and myself will be performing at Mr Marys regularly on Friday evenings.

We will be bring my shows, "A Dummer Shade of Blonde" & the 2006 DIVA award winning show, "Rough Trade (Hers)", to the stage each Friday night.

Come by, have a few drinks, and even dine at the restaurant!

Shows are at 9:15pm, 11pm and 12am.

Hope to see you there!

Luv Shelley

xxx

Shows Galore!

Well its been a busy few weeks for me going out to more shows..

I've attended EUROBEAT (Almost Eurovision) at the State Theatre. It's an absolute hoot! You get to cheer, wave flags and be as loud as you like, just like at a real Eurovision! It's a inexpensive show to attend, so you won't be braking the bank to go along! Apart from watching the individual countries perform, the second half is the voting, with "live" satellite links to each country - it's my favourite part - look out for the lady presenting the "Greek Tele-vote"... One word for her, "Hilarious!"

On Tuesday night I went to TURANDOT at the Sydney Opera House. It was a nice night out. The first act was staged in a tacky way in my opinion, but the second and third acts (yes it is a long opera - 3 hours all up!) were brilliant.

There is, as always, a fat lady singing - so no one was disappointed! Beautiful music, with a fantastic lead playing Turandot, it is a fabulous show.

An added bonus is that there are so many cute gay boys (in between the blue rinse crowd) there, so even if the opera itself isn't eye catching, some of the audience will be!

My partner and I have decided to take out a small subscription to Opera Australia this year, so I will be telling you about the shows: "La Traviata", "Sweeney Todd" and "The Gondaliers" when the new season commences in Jan 2007... Or possibly about the boys attending - should the opera be boring! Hehehe

Wednesday night I then went to Slide, on Oxford St to watch my good friend, Trevor Ashley (Cleo Coupe), perform his cabaret show. I had dinner and show with Sandy Toggs (from Grease, Imperial Hotel, Thursday Nights) and my partner.

Trevor was funny and brilliant as always! If you want to see him perform, Priscilla opens in a few weeks at Star City, and you can see him there in his own role on stage at the Lyric.

Until next time, take care...

Luv Shelley

Varekai - Cirque du Soleil

After a long and exciting night on Monday, my partner treated me to a night at Cirque du Soleil.

We have been so lucky that some really great shows have been in Sydney lately.. I know I sound like a broken record, but this show was fabulous!

"Varekai" is set in a dark and eerie bamboo-styled forest, positioned at the edge of a volcano. With amazing costumes and outstanding lighting, combined with the magic and artistry that one would expect from Cirque du Soleil, this show is heaven..

Well in more ways than one! I of course love a beautiful, well made and detailed costume, and there was two truck loads of them! Then the music, all live, was fantastic, really adding to the night. But yes.. There was something else worth a mention..

Two young GORGEOUS twins, who for the most part wear blue, black, or a combination of both were absolute heaven to watch! Apart from being stunning eye candy, they are amazing gymnasts and performance artists. With incredible grace and strength rolled into one, these boys fly through the air, and then come together for some (occasional) homo-erotic moments... Hmmm

Aside that, there are some hilarious moments with the "modern-ized clowns" - for want of a better way of describing them! I won't ruin the suprises for those who will go to the show (and YOU should), but I can say both my boyfriend and I were roped into their act - it was a lot of fun.

Now for those who think they will be stuck up the back rows for the show (and the back is not that far at all!), considering tickets have been on sale for ages, there is no need for despair! My partner bought our tickets online only HOURS before the show. We were right on the middle aisle in the front row.. right where all the action is. This was the $250 VIP area, yet we paid $99 for these tickets when obviously they were discounted to be sold.

As always, tickets are easier to get on a early weeknight, so consider that when looking for tickets to any long running show. (BTW, if your not going to the ACON Priscilla Preview on Friday September 29th, then remember that tip for the main season.)

You can buy tickets to VAREKAI from Ticketek or by calling 132 849.
Season running until October 8th 2006 in Sydney before touring Australia.

DIVA - My Fabulous Night...

Well what a fabulous night I had! I'm till recovering from being out all night, but so buzzed and excited about winning 2 awards! YAYYYYY!!! - I'll start from the beginning..

After helping the committee set up for DIVA during the day, I went home to get ready. While at Star City, my costume was delivered to my house, so from then on, it was up to me to make my look complete.

I went with a much drag-ier face, purple and pink eye shadow around the eyes with purple glitter highlighting my eye-lids. Contour shading was also with a light hint of purple, finished with pink blush on the cheeks and pink lips.

My costume - well what can I say? It was a masterpiece!



Words cannot say how brilliant it is.. Camp as a row of tents, but still very glamorous and elegant.. Take a look at the pic!

Enjoying the new red carpet location for DIVAs at the Star City Casino Showroom, I posed for the cameras and video cameras - I really did feel like a super-star!

As a poster girl, I was part of the opening video this year for DIVA. Cleo Coupe put the very funny video together - what a great job! Bitchy, fun and violent.. Just what you want to see with a bunch of drag beauty queens! My favourite moment is when I drop marbles onto some steps as Verushka Darling walked down them.. She tumbled with great style.. I love you Verushka - you are a cack!

Right after the video, I had hurried to make sure I was in position to walk on to announce the 2nd award. Onstage, Mitzi Macintosh started proceedings as one of the 3 hosts for the night. While backstage, I had the honour of meeting the "Young Divas". I spoke with Paulini (LOVE HER!) for a short time, then they were whisked off to get ready for the show after my award presentation.

Before I knew it, my music cue was sounding loud from stage, and the three spunky male "Solid Gold DIVA Dancers" (Michael, Kane and Will) carried me onto stage. After a short dance, I headed to the podium to present the DIVA Variety Award for 2006.

My very good friends, Cleo Coupe and Lawrence Stark won the award for "Hats Off" - a production held earlier on in the year at the Showroom. The fact that I also performed in that event and so presenting the award was a treat. Not to mention handing them the DIVA statue!



I RAN back towards my front row seat to watch the Young Divas, and I'm very glad I did! What a treat to see them live! It was AWESOME!

Paulini (pictured) looked amazing - as did all the girls!

I wished they performed more than one song!

Then on with the show.. more awards.. and tears..

My fabulous friend whom I love so much, Ru Bella, won DIVA Rising Star! I had some tears in my eyes, let alone Ru Bella herself, when she won.. I'm so very happy that I asked her work in my shows, as she is very talented and sweet girl. Thank god others appreciate and recognise it too!

Suddenly I was whisked from the table to the side of the stage, as I was a finalist in the "Belle of the Ball".

Made into a show, the 8 finalists were paraded around the stage, before hostess Vanessa Wagner, asked some typical beauty queen pageant questions..

Then came the moment..

The winner is...


SHELLEY LEGS DIAMOND!

Me? Really? OMG!

It was a surreal moment and one I'll never forget! I was very excited!

I did take the time though to thank the fabulous Abbey Rhode (Grant Margetts) who made this amazing outfit. He has unfortunately gone un-recognised for his work over the years with DIVAs (for quite technical reasons), and I was glad to accept this award as a appreciation of his work on this stunning outfit.

With interval now underway, I stood for many photos and made my way back to my seat.

Before I knew it, Verushka Darling was hosting and we were close to the end of the night. "Best Show of the Year (3 and under)" was now to be presented, and my show, "Rough Trade Hers" was nominated.

I was ecstatic that we won, but the whole time I was walking to the stage I kept thinking.. "What do I say? Who to thank..??"



Of course I just kept repeating that in my head so much that I actually didn't think of anything! In the end, I went into my thank you speech cold.. and suffered some embarrassing blanks... They were filled in by Cleo! Thanks for saving me babe!.

Sitting back and enjoying the rest of the night, I was very happy for Dancing Queen - (Kylie Show) on Saturday nights at Midnight Shift, to get the award for Best Show of the Year (4 and over). It's a great show, you should see it!

Amelia Airhead I'm sure hardly got back to her seat before heading back to the stage to accept the award for Entertainer of the Year. Regal, and displaying so much class and generosity, she accepted the award.. Adding to her "Best Show", "Most Popular Show Cast" and "Miss Congeniality" awards.

With a fun finale, complete with a live choir, the night finished with a bang!

Then it was off to the Bitch or Boast after party, where I had a lot to boast about. I was very happy with my results from the awards, and had a great time dancing and catching up with friends and judges.

My thanks to the DIVA committee and judges for their hard work in putting together a night where we Queens (and Kings) are encouraged to be self-centered bitches - well some more so than others!

I can't wait for next year! Pity it only comes once a year...

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Hedwig was an absolute surprise!

After watching the film first when it was released a number of years ago now, I had no idea how the show would be performed.

After the typical dramas of entering a RSL club when you live outside a 5km radius, I walked into the small hall set up as a theatre and felt disappointed. The room was small, the stage was small and there was hardly a set to speak of. But I needn't have worried, as "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" was to blow not only my disappointment, but everyone's minds, away!

iOTA, a six time Aria Award nominee, performs outstandingly as Hedwig in a rock 'n' roll musical following the life of an East Berlin boy - Hansel.

His escape to the west can only happen via a tragic sex change operation and marriage to American "sugar daddy" G.I. Luther. Hansel, now known as Hedwig, moves to the USA with her new partner, but is soon abandoned. She is left with a one-inch reminder of her past (not to mention a few anger management issues!), and turns to her dream of a successful muscial career to help find happiness.

The film had a number of characters who helped to move the drama along, but in this production, it is performed as (almost) a monologue. Only Blazey Best has a select few lines, however she (playing the male character "Yitzhak") is mostly confined to the back of stage doing backup vocals. Otherwise the only other character is Tommy Gnosis, which is just a voiceover in this production.

iOTA carries the show brilliantly and his timing and his ability to give such depth to the character is outstanding. I couldn't imagine someone else in the role..

The crowd gave him a standing ovation, and it was well deserved. We all left with knowing that we had seen some amazing local talent perform a show which is already a cult classic!

The show has been extended due to high demand, so you still have time to see it.

Tickets are General Admission, so the earlier you get there, the better choice you have of seats - but since it's a small space, most seats will be great anyway.

Make sure you have photo ID with you as it is a licensed "theatre", and remember, those of us who live outside the 5km radius of the Newtown RSL, must become temporary members..

Don't be put off by that though, as the show is worth it!

*********************

Venue: Newtown RSL Club

Over 18's Only, ID Required

Season extended until Sunday 27th August 2006

$45 Adult and $35 Concession

Bookings on (02) 9550 3666, through Ticketek on 132 849 or online at www.ticketek.com.au

My Birthday..

My Birthday was on Tuesday just gone (15th Aug)..

And yes.. It IS rude to ask how old I am.. (Those who know my Gaydar profile would know the answer though! Hehehe)

Lets just say I'm in my 20's and leave it at that!

Anyways, I took the day off work, sleeping in until 10am. I had a light breakfast at Tropicana, then the boyfriend and I packed my little dog into the car and we headed south down the coast to Stanwell Park.

Yes, we enjoyed it down there earlier this year (For those who remember my previous blog) and decided to get out of town and go somewhere we knew we would enjoy...

Up on the cliffs above Stanwell Park, we watched a man assembling his glider for a recreational flight. All the while, a bus load of Asian tourists waited for the launch of the gliders from the cliff-face.

The tour guide, to my astonishment, was actually pressuring the man to complete the assembly quicker as they were on a schedule, but wanted to see him launch the glider!

The man wanted to tell them to "F"-off, but bit his tongue and tried to be nice.. I would have told them where to go!

In the end, the tourists, and myself, got the shots we were after... I took some photos and film footage with my little Canon Powershot A75. (I was hoping to have the pics on here to show you, but for some reason the pics will not transfer from the camera to my Macintosh through the USB... Who knows why..)

Needless to say it was spectacular to watch him catch the wind coming from below the cliff-face, and to watch the glider actually ascend vertically above us. Soon enough there were 3 gliders flying around, back and forth, with absolute ease - well it appeared that way!

Even a few birds came over to join in the gliding!

My little dog, Icypole, the boyfriend and I started to get a bit cold though, so we headed down the coast (and down to sea level) for some late lunch.

After that, we headed back towards Sydney, mindful there was some nasty weather about to come in.

Once we got back, we noticed we had missed a hail storm. The "cat balcony" (a ledge outside the window for the cats to sit on and eat their cat-grass) was half covered in a pile of hail still.

I was so disappointed to miss the storm, as I love snow (and anything that resembles it!) I even made sure I went on holiday to NZ during ski season 2 years ago, and learnt how to ski with private lessons on my birthday!

I've wished that it would snow in Sydney, and I missed the closest thing to it - and on my birthday too! Damn it!

Anyways, back to the rest of the day - We fed the animals, then headed off to watch "Ten Canoes" at the Verona Cinema on Oxford St.

"Ten Canoes" won some awards at Cannes earlier this year, and was the opening film for the 2006 Sydney Film Festival.

I was a little disappointed with the movie - though I expected something different - however it's definitely a movie worth watching. I did learn a number of things about the Aboriginal culture that I didn't know, and it was certainly good to see a completely indigenous cast performing on screen.

After the movie, we had some YUMMY Thai food at an amazing restaurant on Victoria St. (Next year I will order some of Pheonixboi's home-made pasta! Looks great..!) We then headed home to have a well needed sleep!

Now, I do have to thank my gorgeous boyfriend for making my day such a special one! (I Love You!)

SO MUCH HAPPENING ATM - Will report on "Hedwig and the Angry Inch", "The Boy From Oz" and "Burn The Floor - Floorplay" shortly.. I feel like such a theatre buff atm!

Until then, take care - look after your family, your friends, and most importantly.. yourself!

Luv
SHELLEY
XX

Honour Bound - Sydney Opera House, Playhouse Theatre

On Sunday I attended one of the most emotional and thought provoking performance pieces I have ever seen..

"Honour Bound", a work created by Nigel Jamieson and choreographed by Gary Stewart is a show that MUST be seen by every Australian.. In fact every person, regardless of nationality.

The show is about David Hicks, the Australian who has now been locked up for years in Guantanamo Bay for alleged terrorism charges. He has been the centre of much controversy in this country.

The performance takes us through just a glimpse of his life, confined in small lockups and suffering abuse.

Video footage and photos are projected onto the stage, set up as a large metal mesh block.

Even with the aerial acrobatics with some stunningly timed dancing against the multimedia, the show keeps to some quite heart-felt issues...

The footage of his family talking about David, puts a tear to your eye. Whether he is a terrorist or not, the compassion you feel for his family becomes immense.

Then there is the reminder about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, of which Australia is a signatory. The piece asks why this standard of human rights is not being upheld for one of our nationals in the custody of one of our "allies".

The piece is not for the faint-hearted. You will not walk away with a spring in your step, but I promise you that you will walk away feeling deep emotion. Isn't that what theatre should be like? (At least from time to time...)

I should also mention that the dancers are amazing. To project isolation and restriction is a contradicting challenge in itself, let alone to touch on such complex and emotional subject matter in addition. To represent Hicks' humiliation and vulnerability, the dancers even strip naked, producing a confronting scene, which had some people in tears.. Hats off to these amazing performers.

I was lucky enough to also attend a post performance question and answer session held with Major Michael Mori - US Defence Counsel for David Hicks.

It was fascinating to hear his answers - such a clear, concise, fair and honest man. On the following day, he appeared on ENOUGH ROPE, hosted by Andrew Denton on ABC. Click here to read a transcript of that interview..

If you are to watch just one show this year, this should be it!

I'm very serious...

SEASON
Tuesday 1 August - Sunday 3 September

PRICES
Adult - $53
*Concession - $43

*Concessions apply to Australian Pensioners / Full time Students / Unemployed / Children Under 18.

Tickets from the Sydney Opera House

Phone Bookings on (02) 9250 7777

Shelley and Showbiz!

Isn't is strange how things work out...?

After missing out on being a part of Priscilla at the auditions, and after selling tickets at work each day, I managed to get myself involved some other way now!

I have kept it under wraps for a while until all was confirmed, but I can now announce that I will be an Official Hostess of exclusive Showbiz Packages for Priscilla at the Lyric Theatre, here in Sydney.

It's a very exciting partnership to embark on, and I look forward to meeting so many people from so many backgrounds during this time.

Basically, for those of you who don't know, Showbiz is a company that doesn't just sell tickets to the show, but also "Stay and See", "Dinner and Show", and "VIP" Packages.

They are perfect for a special night out with that extra-special exclusive treatment. They come highly recommended, and I'm not just saying that because I'm working with them! They are simply the best package deal company around, with travel industry and corporations choosing them hands down over their rivals..

Hence, why I'm so happy to be part of their team!

The "Groove Thing" Interval Package is what you will be after to get myself, or another drag hostess, for the night.

I will try to post dates that I know I will be working, but of course it is subject to demand.

Send me an email if you are hoping to come along to a day I'm working, and I'll try to see what we can advise you.

In the meantime, you can of course just book the package, and I'm sure, whoever you get, you will have a FABULOUS time!

...........

In other news...

Our last night at Stonewall Hotel (Saturdays) went perfect last weekend. We had an absolute ball over the last 3 months and I would like to thank Cleo Coupe, Charisma Belle, Rubella, Candy Box, Ricca Paris, Penny D, and the best dresser in the world, Jason for their love and support!

I can't wait to be back there in November for the new shows I've already started planning! Keep checking back to my website to be updated on what's happening...

We have also been asked to perform up at Krave on the central coast in August. Krave will be celebrating it's 4th birthday, and the girls (Rubella/Charisma) and I are very excited to be part of the celebrations! Come up and see us perform "A Dummer Shade of Blonde" and the "Rough Trade Hers" shows on 19th August. Check out the Krave website for their details..

Stay safe..

Luv Shelley xxx

Another DIVA Launched!

Monday night saw the DIVAs (Drag Industry Variety Awards) launched at Stonewall Hotel.

Opening the proceedings was Maxi Shield, followed closely by a welcome and briefing from the DIVA President, Stuart Doherty.

DIVA will be held on the 28th August at the Star City Showroom.

After revealing the new poster for this year (with your truely on it! I'm under the "2006"), Maxi performed the number "Beast of Burden".

She then introduced the hosts for the evening, Verushka Darling, Mitzi Macintosh and, via sattelite link to Byron Bay, Vanessa Wagner.

It will be fun to watch this combination together on stage in August!

The DIVA judges hopped up on stage for the announcement that the Voting Day will be held at the Columbian the Saturday before the night.

The night will have video fillers between the shows and awards, and will be fully scripted. (Last year's scripted show was a huge success and much better than watching typical "pub banter" between the hosts.)

The night will return to the Star City Showroom - check out the link for the venue seating map! (Standard Showroom). DIVAs comes complete with red carpet and an official "Bitch or Boast" After Party, this year at DCM, which is ALWAYS good fun!

Please bear in mind that there is a suggested "formal dress code".. This is a glamour event after all! (i.e. No jeans and t-shirts!)

Tickets can be bought from Ticketmaster (136 100) from Thursday 27 July 2006 at 9.00am and cost $102.80 + bf.

Drag Dramas

What a week!

What can I say? We have had a resignation from a show, replacements of showgirls, replacements of replacements, showgirls on holidays and new shows running late.

Sadly, last week Candy Box resigned from the Grease show at the Imperial Hotel. She was to take over from Cleo Coupe in the role of "Danny/Frenchie", but due to commitments with her job at the Stonewall Hotel, she thought it best to pull out of the show.

I was very much looking forward to performing alongside Candy, and hope to get a chance to do so in the future..

With this happening on the eve of Sandy Toggs's working holiday to Canada, it meant that our show cast was in a bit of trouble, needing to secure a replacement in a matter of days.

Farren Height, who has been filling in for Candy for a few weeks, and scheduled to fill in for Sandy Toggs, now remains in the "Danny/Frenchie" role.

Charisma Belle, offered to step into the show, and so we thought we were saved. Unfortunately she was unable to make rehearsals, and so with just over 48 hours before showtime, Rubella (who has been filling in for my show at Stonewall Hotel), stepped up to the plate to learn the show.

This performer is a God send! VERY talented and such a lovely person. It's going to be an absolute pleasure to work with her for the next few weeks while Sandy Toggs is away.

I'm pleased to say the Grease show last night went very well and Rubella was a huge success. The audience raised the roof with applause for her efforts to learn the show so well in such a short time!

Sadly, Freeda Corsett has announced she will not be coming back to the Grease show once rehearsals start for the musical Priscilla in about 4 weeks time. She was originally planning to keep performing in Grease, but has now chosen to leave. We do hope that if there is a chance she might stay, that she does so. We all enjoy working with such a talented performer, but we understand that after performing 8 shows over 6 days a week in a major musical, extra shows may not be desirable. We wish you good luck Freeda! (Come along and see her over her last 3 weeks in Grease!)

With all this movement of the cast, we will be looking to settle into a permanent cast for Thursday nights ASAP, and I will keep you posted on the developments.

In the meantime, back at the Stonewall Hotel, the next Saturday night cast, Vanity Faire, Maxi Shield and Beyonce G-Spot have their show scheduled to start on August 5th. Due to this, my cast has been asked to extend our shows to the end of July, which means our last week moves from tomorrow (22/07/06) to next Saturday (29/07/06).

So you have an extra week to catch us at Stonewall Hotel, as well as a new line-up at Imperial Hotel! Come along and see the shows.. Click HERE for the details!

Sick Shelley.. (Cough, Cough)

Thank you to my fellow performers and the fans who were so kind to me over this past week of shows while I have been so sick.

It is a shame that we drag performers must work when we are ill. It's not good for our bodies, and certainly not very entertaining to watch a sickly queen flounder about on stage, but due to certain realities, the tired old saying - "The show must go on!" still applies...

A big congratulations to Ru Bella for her first night in the Stonewall shows last night. She did amazingly well and the crowd loved her. It's a pleasure to have her in the cast for our last weeks..

Be sure to pop along to Stonewall over the next 2 Saturdays to watch our shows and to support Ru Bella before we rotate to the Vanity/Maxi/Beyonce cast for three months...

DON'T FRET THOUGH.. WE WILL BE BACK IN 3 MONTHS TIME WITH A NEW SET OF SHOWS!

As for me, I'm going back to bed to try shake this flu.. Hope to see you all out at Imperial or Stonewall this coming week..

Love Shelley
xoxox

Quick Catch-up..

Hi All,

It's been a while since I posted, partly due to technical reasons, partly due to a busy period, and partly cos I have been lazy..

So a quick catch-up on some stuff happening in the world of Shelley...

*** Cleo Coupe's last week of shows was last week. Everything went well for her "Farewell Tour". She of course was in both of my regular weekly shows and I'm going to miss her HEAPS! She is about to head off to New York for a 3 week holiday before starting rehearsals for "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert". (I can of course now confirm that she is in the show!)

*** Yours truly turned up to her day job in drag for a "Priscilla" competition. Once the competition finished, I stayed in drag for the rest of the day. I felt like the "new temp"! Result of the competition: We won of course!

*** We had a fundraiser for Twenty10 at Stonewall Hotel a few weeks ago - raised a great amount of money on the door and gave away prizes. We had a hoot, and look forward to the next chance to work with the organisation...

*** "Ru Bella" will be filling in for Cleo in the last few weeks of our Stonewall Hotel Shows. We have been rehearsing her into the role and she is doing great. Come along and see her in the show!

*** "Candy Box" will be filling in for Cleo in the Grease show out at the Imperial Hotel every Thursday night. Due to some unexpected complications, she will be joining the cast in a few weeks time. Farren Height will be filling in the role until then.

Will get back to regular postings again.

Thanks for your patience and the emails wondering why I haven't posted recently!

Love to you all..

Shelley

How about we Fag-Tag Oxford St?

With so much enthusiasm about the concept of "Fag Tag", I think we should turn our thoughts away from invading straight venues for the night. How about we start descending upon our own?

Last night Oxford Street was essentially straight, and it wasn't nice at all outside on the strip.

There were horridly drunk straight boys and girls stumbling down the street. We were lucky to have sensible and experienced bouncers at the Stonewall Hotel to keep the nasty ones out.

Mind you, if we didn't have the straight people in the Hotel last night, it would have been a DEAD night. On the most part, the predominately straight crowd we had was actually great fun. In fact it reminded me of the good old days performing at the Albury Hotel. The crowd was very enthusiastic.

Some of them didn't behave well (i.e. sitting on stage DURING shows, putting drinks on the stage DURING shows) and those that caused problems after they were warned about their behaviour, were removed promptly by management and security.

This of course isn't a problem confined to straight people though, as some drunk gay boys have been turfed from Hotels/Clubs before for the very same reasons too!

But where did all the gay boys go?

Well the answer is "Super Fag Tag".

Now don't get me wrong, I think it's a great idea to move past the traditional gay territory of Oxford St and Newtown.

The intention of the founder was to get the gays out of the ghetto and into unexplored straight bars. The idea was to give queer party-goers, who were bored with Oxford Street, a whole new experience.

It in turn, I guess, can also be seen as to give a greater exposure of the queer culture in the broader community - but will this all come at a cost?

Gay boys, in their droves, vacated "our strip" on one of the traditionally busiest nights of a venue's year, for yet another "of-the-moment" dance party.

And I believe that the organisers got greedy and missed the point of their creation - Fag Tag... (My suspicion is that this was just another group of event organisers who got greedy and wanted to earn some quick money.)

"After taking over the best venues in Sydney for the past two years, Fag Tag is gearing up to take on the Sydney Entertainment Centre..."

(Sydney Entertainment Centre Website)

"Super Fag Tag (SFT) will celebrate two years of Fag Tag – the regular queer “invasions” of predominantly straight venues – by invading the Ent Cent for a huge house party in the round."

(SX News)

Can someone (maybe someone who shelled out good money to attend..), please point out to me how the Sydney Entertainment Centre is considered a "Straight Venue"? If there was a plan to move in on a straight venue for a big party, how about it actually being one in the first place?

I also wonder how going to a straight venue for a one off night provides any sense of community? How long will the "thrill" of "invading" a straight venue last? Won't it seem just as boring as the founders claim Oxford St is after a while? Traipsing around the city constantly searching for a new venue to attend will get very boring for a gay community that loves it's venues at walking distance.

Further to this all, we should bear in mind this very important point. If we decend upon straight venues, we shouldn't be so critical of straights in ours. After all, what's good for the goose...

Now, with that being said, we have all heard the complaints about Oxford St getting "straight" and "homophobic", with many people encountering abuse as they walk to, from and on the strip. There is NO excuse for this behaviour. However, the Police have only had 2 (that's right, 2!) reports of homosexual abuse on Oxford St. (This information was reported at a recent DIVA meeting by a Anti-Violence Project Rep from ACON.)

The police have said that due to the lack of evidence of gay abuse on the strip, they will not step up patrols!

Last night I took the opportunity to remind the straights and the few gay boys there at Stonewall Hotel, that we are facing a tough time on Oxford St and we as a community should, and will not, let it stand. (Ironic to be talking like that in a venue dedicated to the Stonewall riots I must say!)

I put out the call to report any abuse, be it physical violence to verbal abuse, to the police, so that we can get police patrols on Oxford St and feel safer on the strip.

Mind you, this would all be in vain if gay boys leave the strip for large "Fag Tag" branded events (especially the ones that don't end up "invading" a straight venue - the Sydney Ent. Cent. for example.)

My understanding is that there are many people who feel the strip is dangerous, venues are becoming too straight and boring.

Now we can do something about all of those things, but we have to work together and discuss it.

Iv'e mentioned how to make it safer, but what about it being too straight?

Well why not attend venues those venues and make them "gay" by actually being there?

Now you might say they are too boring..

Maybe it's the music, the vibe, or the drag shows! Whatever it is, tell the venue! Voting with your feet isn't productive, just destructive! We need to bring people willingly back to the strip, or watch it disappear further from our hands.

We need to think carefully, and decide what we want - then grasp it with both hands.

What do you think? What do you want? Get talking!

Drag Gag

**I have been asked to edit this entry. Embargoed information was contained previously**

I have told you that I would keep you posted, and I thought could finally reveal to you some of the results of the Priscilla auditions.. Well I can't tell you anything officially, but anyone with half a brain can figure it out!

We have been watching a number of people auditioning for the lead roles in Priscilla: The Musical, of which 3 Sydney showgirls were in the running..

Cleopatra Coupe, Courtney Act and Freeda Corsett made it through to the last rounds of the auditions.

Both Cleo and Courtney were auditioning for the role of "Felicia". Freeda was auditioning for the Chorus.

Now the only thing I can officially announce is that Cleo Coupe has declared she will be leaving all of her current shows at the end of the month.

Now why would that be? Has she got sick of the drag scene?

I don't think so.

I have been asked not to confirm or deny anything I may have heard (though people who ask me can hear the gossip), but she has asked that her fellow showgirls all look at replacing her in her current shows. She intends to first take a holiday to the US and then to work on a new venture she has been working on.. (I wonder what that could be???)

Freeda Corsett has been on the edge of her seat for days now waiting to hear back from the audition panel. She finally has been requested to come in again for some more "reading" of the script. Insiders suggest this will mean that she will be offered not only a role in the chorus, but a featured speaking role at that! This of course is just speculation - but it's the kind you would wanna hear! Chookas to you babe!

Freeda has indicated that if she gets a role in the musical, she will exit a number of shows as well, but plans to keep at least two shows going while the musical is in Sydney. She will, though, be taking a number of weeks off the Grease show at the Imperial Hotel for an intense rehearsal period with Priscilla - should she get a part that is!

This means that with Cleo gone, Freeda taking time off, while Sandy Toggs goes on a holiday (planned a long time ago), I will be the only constant in the Grease show for a little while! Well it will be good to work with some new people..

Farren Height will be a chameleon, performing one of the three girls vacant roles at different times through the year. It will be fantastic to have her in the cast, and will be interesting to watch her learn and perform almost all the roles in the show!

We will be making an official decision on who will be replacing Cleo Coupe permanently on Thursday nights over the next few days. It's been interesting who has been considered and has put their names forward. They are big shoes to fill and we hope to make the right choice. Will keep you posted as always..

As far as my Saturday night show is concerned, I have yet to make a decision on who will replace Cleo, at least for the completion of the run of the show, if not permanently. I hope to make an annoucement soon..

So much going on now! Phones will be running hot for a while yet!

And of course, DIVAs is only around the corner!

It's a busy time for the Sydney drag community.

NEW WEBSITE ONLINE

My new look website is now up and running! (Finally!)

Hooray!!

Once I received my new computer I set to work building the new site. It took a number of days to build, tweek and transfer the data to my host server, but it's done now and I'm quite happy with it..

Have a look at it and tell me what you think...

CLICK HERE to visit my new website.

Back to work..

So it was back to work as normal today.

There was a bit of fuss over me from the start, with pictures from the Sydney Morning Herald placed on my desk and everyone wanting to know how I went. (I'm in the middle in pink - just in case you can't work it out!)


So I had to tell them I didn't make it through the audition.

They were all so disappointed for me, which was very sweet of them to care so much. Many of my colleagues are involved in the arts, they understand the ups and downs of the performing arts industry.

I'm feeling much better about it all now though. In the SMH, there was a clear statement about the size of performers which has helped me to understand why I didn't make it through..

Director Simon Phillips watched group after group of dancers, searching for 16 chameleon-like performers to play the Priscilla chorus.

"The demands of this show are particularly idiosyncratic," he said.

"For this piece, the ensemble performers need to be able to play miners in one scene, and a group of Les Girls in another. They need to be able to dance, to act, to sing as well, of course. It's surprisingly difficult mix to access."

The show has only six female roles. But only statuesque girls need apply for the ensemble.

"The women will need to be able to slide into a drag number, and not look like a tiny, tiny person on the end of a row," he said.

Well I'm certainly a tiny girl, even with heels on! At least I can now put my mind at ease..

I haven't heard anything yet about whether Freeda Corsett has got a part in the Chorus. Will keep you posted.

Here is another pic of the audition. I'm not in it, but the fall that poor Anita Curtain took will be imortalized in Australian musical history!

In the meantime, the company I have purchased my computer from has informed me that the costs of the Apple Laptops has been reduced, and some specs changed. This would now entitle me to a partial refund, or I could spend the credit as I wish with them.

Seeing I have already spent the money, I opted to upgrade my computer to a 17" and tapped on some extra goodies so it came out the original purchase price.

The amazing thing the sales rep said in our phone conversation is that the 17" Laptops should be in stock possibly as early as tomorrow, so I could receive my order this week!

Fingers crossed - I wanna play with my new shiny toy! (And now you can take your mind out of the gutter!)

Until next time, take care..

Priscilla Auditions

Well this morning were the open auditions for the Chorus of "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" the musical.

Getting up at 7:30am to shower/shave/eat and put on makeup for the 11am start was the first hurdle! That's hard after finishing the Stonewall show in the wee hours of the morning the night before! But I managed to roll out of bed into the shower and commence the usual "prep".

I was happy about the makeup job I did. While getting ready, I was singing my little heart out preparing the song "Last Dance" by Donna Summer for the audition. (We were asked to prepare a disco song to sing - not mime.)

Soon I was packing my bag, printing off my CV (in pink no less!) and then made a last minute decision to change my audition outfit.

Previously, my good friend Cleo Coupe had asked a few times if I was wearing one of my large coloured wigs. When saying no, she mentioned I would look "fine anyway"... Needless to say I took it as a bit of a hint... Considering she has been with the producers all week auditioning for one of the lead roles, I thought I could wear one of the coloured wigs I have to match my new audition outfit - Layered black and pink leotards and leg warmers.

I took along my original outfit and wig - with boy clothes, just in case I needed them.

Then, carrying all my things down the stairs in my apartment building, I stacked it and ended up against the wall on the landing! Fortunately nothing was hurt or broken. I took it as a good sign, the trips and falls have already happened today, so the audition won't have any! (Well that's the idea anyway.)

I popped in the car for the short drive to The Rocks. Of course the sight of a drag queen being driven through the city streets created some interesting traffic situations, but I managed to get to the audition on time and safely.

Once arriving at Bangarra Dance Studios, I was immediately whisked away into a "fake audition" for some TV cameras and photographers. Even though it had already started, I just stepped into the simple dance combo and picked it up in a split second.

After that, I got the chance to register and sit patiently awaiting my call. Journalists, photographers and TV crews however descended upon the Drags for the typical questions and photo shots. So much for the quiet focus I was hoping for before auditioning!

It was fun however to play to the media. Drag stars Verushka Darling, Portia Turbo, Freeda Corsett and myself were playing up big and loud! We had a hoot!

Finally the commercial TV station cameramen arrived, which meant we would now head into the audition. First up was to be the dance audition with Ross Coleman, then if you passed it, the singing audition..

To my surprise, we had the same incredibly simple routine as in the "fake audition". I wondered whether we were being taken seriously at all.. Surely they would be wanting to sort the good dancers from the bad, not choreograph stuff almost anyone could do..

(Previously the organisers had mentioned that, even though inviting professional drag queens to the audition was great for the publicity of the show and the documentary, they were also seriously interested in auditioning professional showgirls. The official words were that it was a "50/50" scenario. So the question still stands, why such a simple dance sequence?)

Anyway, so this dance audition was the easiest thing I've done in heels, ever! A beginners aerobic lesson was harder!

Step Step Step-ball-change, repeat back the other way
Step Turn Step-ball-change, repeat back the other way
Walk around yourself for 4 counts, Walk forward for 4 counts
Prepare Step Turn, repeat back the other way
Shimmy for 8 counts
Walk forward...

After one or two runs, Portia, Freeda and myself were placed in the centre, in front of the panel. All 7 (or 8?) of us then continued to run the routine.

After about 2 more run throughs miming the words to "I love the Nightlife" as well, the audition was over...

Well it was for me anyway...

The rest of the queens left Portia and Freeda to do their singing audition.

Portia was eliminated after that section, but Freeda prevailed and stayed the whole day. Fingers crossed she gets a part in the Chorus. She is very talented and it's no surprise she went far in the audition.

On the other hand, I'm very disappointed though.

I kept thinking - I have a University Degree (Bachelor of Arts) in Dance, how could I fail such a simple dance audition?

Needless to say, I was completely gob-smacked.

I started doing what every person who doesn't make it in an audition does - questions everything!

Was it my makeup? Should I have made it girlier? Should I have worn my original costume, rather than going for the "Flashdance/Audition" look? Would I have faired better as a boy dancer? (Many boy dancers made it through to the singing round.)

Upon reflection though, I shouldn't take it personally. After all, I was an incredibly different body shape and size to the other girls there. The likelihood is that because I'm short and skinny, I probably wouldn't blend in with the cast - which is a reality I'm reminded of every time work is on offer in the venues around town.

Maybe I'm just saying that to make myself feel better, but auditions can be c*nts, and I refuse to let this one make me feel bad...

If nothing else, I got some free publicity on TV, print and radio, and that is always great to have. Not to mention a new set of headshots for my Gallery. Plus now, I could even consider doing a live song or two in shows - I have at least one song now ready to go! "Last Dance" in G major..

With my hopes of performing in Priscilla dashed, I'll have to be content with selling tickets at work for it instead... That's gonna suck..

Oh well.. Back to the normal life again...

Updates..

Ok, so I there are a few things I should update everyone on. I have received a few emails recently via my website asking about how certain things have been going... So here is the catch-up..

• The showgirls auditioning for Priscilla are still in the audition process (It will likely go on for the rest of this week with call-backs etc)
• My new computer has been ordered with a different company and is set to be dispatched from Melbourne on 31/5/06.
• The Rough Trade Hers prop drum is still being fixed, but progress is being made.
• Japanese classes have been going well, thank you! (Arigatoo gozaimasu!)
• I haven't fallen off the wagon yet - no new wigs purchased! (The computer was enough money spent!)

And just quietly, I have decided to audition for Priscilla myself. (I have been debating whether I should over the last few weeks.) The open audition for the chorus is this weekend. Wish me luck!!

Wanted Dead or Alive: Saboteur at Stonewall..

I try to be nice to all people, and considering that philosophy, I don't pipe up about many things - but when something needs to be said, well it needs to be said..

The low-life mole who thought it would be a great idea to destroy my show's props this week should be run out of town. Whether is was meant to "sabo" one of the performers in the show, or even the show in general, you are scum to have done such a thing. If you have a problem with someone, you should say it to their face rather than slip around in the shadows and commit such acts.

Now, just so you know, it was no accident that one of the Rough Trade Hers finale drums were destroyed. It would have taken a HUGE force to break the drum skin.

We have people who are happy to help find out who this scum-bag is. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before we find out who committed this act of sabotage, as the area where the costumes and props are stored is only accessed by a select few.

In the meantime, I have taken the drum home to look at making repairs on it. I hope to get it back to being "as good as new" by next week.

As always, the show will go on..

New Friends at The Imperial Hotel

Grease went well last night, we all had a hoot! The audience is responding well to the show and hope they still love it for a lot longer yet!

It was great to meet some new people in the audience, of which I met quite a few last night.

It's bizarre to meet so many people from such different backgrounds, each with very interesting stories to tell... Backpackers, tourists, locals and even a newspaper columnist and an escort! You never know who you might find at the Imperial!

Of course, every one of them was invited to the Stonewall Hotel to watch A Dummer Shade of Blonde and Rough Trade Hers so we can catch up again and chat some more..

Speaking of Stonewall Hotel - This week's Saturday show at Stonewall has been moved a day forward due to a double booking with a cast member, so we will be on stage tonight. It will be interesting to see how the audience reacts to our show, though I think on the most part, Friday and Saturday night crowds are much the same..

On a totally unrelated topic, my Macintosh Computer order that I have requested from a particular company, has caught a snag. As they cannot carry through with the order (reasons far to complicated to get into on here), I'm back to square one to find a seller/reseller.

I have made some enquiries with a few companies, and will now await their response to see who I order with..

Damn it, I want my shiny new laptop and I want it last week! (I'm an impatient queen sometimes...!)

Will keep you posted..

Stay safe! xoxox

Shopping Therapy - An Expensive Flu Cure

Today I have been home from work, sick with the flu. So what else would you do but sit around at home watching TV and surfing the net?!

Well, I found something else to do.. Buy a new computer!!

After a few weeks of researching, "umm-ing" and "ahh-ing", I today purchased a brand new 15" MacBook Pro, upgrading the hard-drive, processor and RAM, then bundled it with the Final Cut Studio programs. This will be one hell of a laptop and will look after my audio/video editing needs, my website and blog!

Mind you, it didn't come cheap, but this computer will be worth it and I'm sure I will be happy with it for a number of years to come.

This new computer was also purchased for its mobility. I'm always moving between locations and find it limiting to do my work at home on my desktop PC. With friends advising me that Mac is the best platform (and most stable) for audio and video editing, I thought I should just bite the bullet and go with an Apple laptop.

Over the next few months keep an eye out for changes on my website, blog and at my shows. I plan to use this new baby of mine and use it well. No doubt it will take a little while though to master the programs, but I will enjoy creating it all myself!

It will take about 2 weeks or so to have my customized laptop created and shipped to me, so will keep you informed when it arrives!

Take care..

Priscilla - The Musical

You must be hiding under a (cock, in a frock on a) rock if you don't already know that the movie, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is being made into a musical spectacular.

Talk around town are there are some of our very own singing showgirls, here in Sydney, are auditioning for the lead roles. It will be interesting to see how things pan out after the battles in the auditions..

Now the show is set to open at the Star City Casino's Lyric Theatre on October 7th (Which means I'll be selling just a few tickets to the show! - I better get comps for this one!!!!)

For the benefit of those of you outside Australia (I don't think there is a SINGLE Australian who doesn't know the story!), I'll quickly fill you in. The show will tell the story of two drag-queens and a transexual , who hire a bus to travel to Alice Springs, a resort town in the remote Australian outback, to perform their drag show. Of course the adventure comes with it's highs and lows, just like any good road-trip story!

NOTE: This is an original movie and story - unlike "To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar" which is a Hollywood rip-off of this Australian classic.

Stephan Elliott, who wrote the original screenplay, has teamed up with Allan Scott to write a libretto for the stage show.

Costume designer Lizzy Gardiner, who won an Oscar for doing the original Priscilla costumes, has also joined the show's creative team.

The artistic director of the Melbourne Theatre Company, Simon Phillips, will direct the show, while the Tony Award-winning designer Brian Thomson is expected to create the sets.

With a fantastic production team and such a great story, fingers crossed that it will be a huge success!

Good luck to the showgirls auditioning!

Will keep you all posted on what happens...

Stonewall Hotel Cruise & After Party

What a night!

A range of drag queens, bar staff, managers and Hotel owners made it onto our little ferry for a cruise around Sydney Harbor. And it proved to be a fun night for all!

Meeting Cleo Coupe and Sandy Toggs at the Opera Bar in Circular Quay, we then moved across to the Man-o-war Jetty to depart on the ferry.

It was a "Who's who"crowd, with a bit of a "Who's that?" spin on it too!

Once in the Ferry, we departed from the Opera House and headed towards South Head.

Within no time we were invited downstairs for dinner, which fortunately had a good selection of vegetarian food! (YAYYY!!!) This is the point where I started drinking Red Bulls, and continued doing so through the night. By this stage, even with food in their bellies, some of the people weren't holding their alcohol well, and gossip was being leaked..

I wish I could mention some of the things I heard over the night, but it wouldn't be right to permanently place this info on the net.. Mind you, if you were to ask me... (Wink!)

In any case, I took a few pics while on the boat as well as some short movies with my digital camera. Unfortunately I can't load the movies on here, but the still pics are below. On one of those pics, you can see Cleo and Charisma, fondling our dresser Jason. The proof is there! The Stripper was a fun addition to the night as well - very unexpected!



After the cruise, we all headed to Stonewall Hotel, where Maxi Shield, with guest Rubella, performed a number.


After a late night, and a long day at work, I headed home for some rest before work the next day.

Once home however, I couldn't sleep due to the large amount of Red Bulls I consumed, and was up most the night! Once I did get to sleep, I woke up with what I could only guess is a hangover of sorts! I had to call in sick to work, and spent most the day asleep in bed, or on the couch watching TV...

I must remember, that too many Red Bulls is not a good idea! (Mind you, you would think that when you don't drink tea or coffee, that a large amount of caffeine in your system can't be good!)

Live and learn!